Editorial Roundup: Thursday, December 6, 2012

Good outbreak response respects shared roles for parents, state and schools… Make memories, take part in local Christmas events

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The Daily Telegram - Adrian, MI

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Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 10:40 AM

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 10:40 AM

Good outbreak response respects shared roles for parents, state and schools

Should parents or should state and local officials decide whether children ought to be vaccinated or go to school?

Not all parents had their children receive vaccinations. Under state law, that’s their right. Yet when an outbreak occurs, under state law, local health departments are required to mandate that those students stay out of school — in this case, about a dozen students until Dec. 12.

Hopefully, parent relief that chickenpox is not among the most dangerous diseases does not reflect complacency. As we’ve said before, vaccinations are important.

Studies show dangers from the diseases far outweigh risks from vaccines. While some parents may have sincere fears or religious objections, a least a few others are using Michigan’s opt-out policy to simply neglect vaccinations, including those for more serious diseases.

Mandating that those students stay out of school — while making arrangements for them to complete their work at home until it’s deemed safe to return — is a good policy. It balances the state’s responsibility for protecting students and schools with parents’ responsibility over their own children.

Make memories, take part in local Christmas events

It may not feel completely like winter yet, but Lenawee County has plenty of festive activities for anyone seeking something to do Friday or Saturday.

Community Editor Marge Furgason has a list on Page A4, and there also is a special section in today’s newspaper.

Adrian’s downtown Winterfest and Tecumseh’s annual events both are Friday and Saturday. Some of the Adrian highlights include Friday’s 6:30 p.m. parade from the Armory to the post office, ice skating in the Church Street parking lot across from the museum, musical performances, bowling and other visits with Santa, crafts, a food and toy drive and much more.

Tecumseh’s parade — which had 60 entries last year — is at 7 p.m. Friday through downtown and ending at Adams Park, with prizes for the top entries. A Candlelight Home Tour is set from 5:30 to 8 p.m. both days. The Southern Michigan Railroad presents the “Afternoon with Mark Twain” show at 1 p.m. Saturday, and a community arts workshop is planned Saturday. Music includes Sunday’s 4 p.m. Big Band & VocalAires concert at the TCA.

Other communities also have activities this weekend. Addison’s tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Saturday. In Blissfield, the Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road will have its Santa Express rides beginning Saturday. Clinton’s Christmas Home Tour is from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Hudson’s Thompson House Museum’s plans include a Boxwood Tree workshop at 7 p.m. today and events throughout the holidays.

Page 2 of 2 - We invite readers to see the full list of activities and to take time to join in and make memories. Local organizers put a great deal of effort into these and other events. Participation by local adults and children helps to round out Lenawee County’s hometown holiday experience.